Modern Magic at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Orlando

Before we were guests of the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress, my family never realized all that a luxury hotel could offer. After all, when we’re visiting the busy Orlando area theme parks, we usually don’t ask much in terms of lodging. A shower and a place to lay our heads usually do the trick. If you throw in a free continental breakfast, you win a spot in our hearts together.

But on my family’s recent trip to the Disney Parks for the TMOM Retreat, the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress totally changed my mind about lodging. Sure, some hotels are mere rest stops between theme park visits. But as my family quickly discovered, the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress is a luxury destination in and of itself.

Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress, A Modern and Magical Hotel in Orlando

After spending our final day in Disney, our family headed to the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress. The hotel was a winner for those who love the theme parks as much as we do. It was conveniently located in the desirable Downtown Disney area, just a short drive to the Earl of Sandwich, our family’s favorite counter service choice.

But proximity to the Mouse was just one of the many reasons the Hyatt was a wonderful choice for us. The room itself, billed as a “Pool View Double,” was spacious and modern. There was a comfortable duvet in addition to the two generous double beds. This was a special treat for the two 10-year olds on the trip, who were getting a bit cranky about sharing sleeping accommodations. “Every room should have a sofa too!” Bryan declared as he claimed the space for his own.

The view from the balcony was downright magical. From our 11th floor balcony, we could see an expanse of the touristy Orlando area. In the distance, we spotted the spherical Spaceship Earth, the iconic symbol of EPCOT.

Splashing Success in the Hotel Pool

Being a former swimmer, I can’t resist checking out the pool in any location I visit. From our balcony, I could see the gorgeous, lagoon-like pool on the hotel grounds. It was a far cry from the stark, rectangular lap pools of my youth. Instead, this half-acre pool was lush, surrounded by rock formations and natural grasses and trees. A rope bridge – fun! – spanned the swimming area. The pool also included two waterslides and 12 beautiful waterfalls. It provided those weary from thrill rides a respite from the rat – er, mouse – race. If you aren’t as hooked on water activities as I am, the sundeck around the pool provided a comfortable place to put your feet up, catch some rays and watch your kiddies splash.

Unfortunately, we didn’t have time to enjoy all the hotel had to offer. That just gives us more reason to come back! Next time around, these things are on our “must try” list:

The rock wall. Our kids love climbing trees, and the rock climbing wall, which rises to 14 feet, appealed to their sense of adventure. Unfortunately, it was too dark to climb when we arrived, but we heard about how cool the wall was all the way home.

The Grand Cypress Academy of Golf. My husband golfs. The rest of us putt putt. But at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress, they got us all covered. While my husband plays the links on the fabulous Grand Cypress Gold Courses (featuring Jack Nicklaus-designed course!), the rest of us can get instruction at the Academy. There are lessons for everyone, from the beginner to the expert, but we were interested in playing with the ModelGolf, a computerized instructional program. (That way no one will be hit by a mis-driven golf ball!)

Camp Hyatt. On weekends, the staff of the Hyatt offer a fun kids’ activity program, which includes supervised swimming, water park activities, games and crafts. My kids can roast marshmallows, do scavenger hunts, play video games or climb the rock wall, while I put my feet up by the pool and sip a slushie. Hello? Now that’s what I call relaxation – and let’s face it, moms don’t get a lot of that, even when on vacation!

My family was a guest of the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress. The opinions expressed are strictly my own (except for the commentary of my tweens, which cannot be avoided).

Want to check out the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress for yourself? Well, the hotel is offering a Summer Splash Special offer through 9/30/13. To snag yourself a FREE food and beverage credit, check it out the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Summer Splash Special!

If you go to Hyatt and book this hotel, Traveling Mom will receive a referral fee.

About The Author

Mary Dixon Lebeau
was forced into East Coast travel. A Jersey girl herself, Mary married a guy from New England who has a penchant for Florida, so she has become acquainted with - and loves - all the wonderful sites from Caribou, Maine to Key West, Florida.
Mary is also adept at creating vacations that are "one size fits all." The mother of five (ranging from "Expedition Everest" to "Dumbo"), she has become skilled at planning for all ages, collecting kiddie swap passes and making sure everyone is happy (sometimes all at the same time).
A former newspaper columnist, Mary is now a freelance writer whose work has appeared in a variety of publications, including Parents, Parenting, Pregnancy, Conceive and Family Circle (are you sensing a theme?). She was also the former travel editor at REAL Magazine (RIP). Her essays have appeared in such publications as the Christian Science Monitor, God Allows U Turns, and four different editions of Chicken Soup for the Soul.